Australia low on organ donation

By Tamara McLean

September 3, 2006

AUSTRALIA has one of the world's lowest organ donation rates because hospitals are missing too many vital donor opportunities, specialists said today.

In Australia, there are just 11 organ donors for every million people each year -- less than half that of the United States and most of western Europe.

Melbourne researchers analysed data of more than 17,000 deaths at 12 major Victorian hospitals between 2002 and 2004 to figure out where donor opportunities were being missed.

Dr Helen Opdam and Dr William Silvester, intensive care specialists at Austin Health in Melbourne, discovered that of the 280 potential donors -- those whose had suffered brain death -- only 106 actually donated.

The specialists said it was clear more could be done to identify potential donors in hospitals throughout Victoria and nationwide.

Hospitals also need to increase requests for organ donations, with results showing relatives of 60 of the 280 potential donors were never asked.

The doctors said medical specialists should try to improve the consent rates above the 50 per cent recorded in the study, published in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.

This was much lower than the 75 per cent support suggested by public surveys on the topic.

The specialists said the figure was also at odds with community support for transplantation, which was very high due to extremely good success rates.

"All Australians should ensure that their next-of-kin know their wishes regarding organ donation," Dr Opdam said.

She said it was important that organ donation was raised with next-of-kin in all appropriate circumstances and that families were supported in their decision-making.

The study also found that next-of-kin were more likely to agree to donations if they were asked by a specialist rather than a junior doctor.

"Family consent is more likely if the approach is made by individuals who are informed about, and support, organ donation," the authors wrote.

Responding to the research results, Australian Medical Association president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal urged all Australians to consider organ donation and talk to their families about their wishes.

"If the family has been well briefed by the donor ahead of time, they are much more likely to fulfil the wish of the donor to give one or more other people a chance at a longer, healthier life," Dr Haikerwal said.

Copyright © 2006 The Australian.

This article posted September 3, 2006.